Elbert Steve Owens Jr.

Elbert Steve Owens Jr., 71, finished his journey on January 10, 2024.  He was born September 2, 1952 in Checotah, OK, the son of Elbert Steve Owens and Opal Lee (Farrimond) Owens. Steve graduated from Arvin High School, class of 1970.  In 1972 he married his high school sweetheart, Debra (Nylander).  This coming May they would have celebrated 52 years of marriage.  Steve had an extremely strong work ethic.  Steve was employed in the wine industry at Bear Mountain Winery, Cutler and Giumarra Vineyards.  Later he worked as an electrician with his dad.  Following in his dad’s footsteps, he was the proud owner of Steve Owens Electric, which is carried on by his son, Clark Owens, in Checotah, OK.  Over the years, Steve served on Arvin Planning Commission and was an active member of Lakeview Baptist Church, where he was leader of the Royal Ambassadors Program and served diligently in various other capacities in the church.  Steve loved to hunt and enjoyed annual hunting trips with dear friends.  Steve also loved visiting family, especially his time with his beloved family in Oklahoma.   Steve was known for his sense of humor and his great love for his family.  He cherished visits from his grandchildren and loved teasing them.  Even at the end of his life, his primary concern was for his family.   Steve is predeceased by his parents, Steve and Opal Lee Owens, and Keith and Pearl Nylander, and brother-in-law Karl Nylander.   Steve is lovingly remembered by his wife, Debbie Owens of Bakersfield, CA, his son, Clark Owens and Carrie Jo Dennis of Checotah, OK, and daughter, Casey Olson and her husband, Seth, of Bakersfield, CA; five grandchildren, Hannah Satterfield, Colby Olson, Caleb Olson, Easton Owens, and Sydney Olson; sister and brother-in-law, Greg and Linda Morrison; niece and fiancé Jessica Morrison and Sal Mendez, nephew, Trevor Morrison; “bestest friends”, Keith and Pam Ginn, and many aunt, uncles, nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank Dr. Stephen Strategos for his care, love and support. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.  Donate to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research (michaeljfox.org) (https://give.michaeljfox.org/give/421686/#!/donation/checkout)